| Contacts: | Jeff Joseph tel: 703 907-7664 e-mail: jjoseph@CE.org |
Megan Pollock tel: 703-907-7668 e-mail: mpollock@CE.org |
MEDIA AVAILABILITY: CONSUMER ELECTRONICS ASSOCIATION OFFICIALS AVAILABLE TO COMMENT ON SUPREME COURT GROKSTER DECISION
Ruling Anticipated Imminently
| Arlington, Virginia | 6/14/2005 |
WHAT:
Officials of the Consumer Electronics Association will be available to comment on the upcoming Supreme Court ruling in Grokster v MGM. A decision in this case is expected soon. CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro has called Grokster the most important case before the Supreme Court this year. The main question before the Court in this case is whether providing a technology capable of substantial noninfringing uses constitutes copyright infringement. The Court's finding could substantially alter the 1984 Betamax decision which found on principle that a product that can be used to violate copyright is legal so long as it has substantial uses that don't infringe on copyrights.
The Betamax principles are the foundation of this nation's explosive technological growth over the last 20 years and are particularly critical to new digital technology. "If these principles are undermined," Shapiro has stated, "we may witness the end of popular and revolutionary products and technologies such as the iPod, Tivo and even the Internet itself, and also the premature deaths of thousands of products that still only exist as a concept in the mind of young entrepreneurs."
CEA filed an amicus brief in Grokster, offering a critical perspective on the Betamax doctrine as the Magna Carta of the digital age, arguing the court should uphold this standard.
WHERE:
Contact Megan Pollock at 703-907-7668 or mpollock@ce.org to arrange an interview.
WHO:
Available from the Consumer Electronics Association for comment regarding Grokster or background on the current state of intellectual property:
* Gary Shapiro, president and CEO - 703-907-7610 or garys@ce.org
* Michael Petricone, vice president of technology policy - 703-907-7544 or michaelp@ce.org
* Jeff Joseph, vice president of communications and strategic relations - 703-9077664 or jjoseph@ce.org
ABOUT:
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association
promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.